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American Experience; Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided

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Premiered October 1988
As television's longest-running, most-watched history series, American Experience brings to life the incredible characters and epic stories that helped form this nation. Now in its eighteenth season, the series has produced over 180 programs and garnered every major broadcast award.
Series release date: 10/1988

Program Description

Elected president only to see the nation fracture in two, Lincoln led a confused and frightened people through the most terrible war in their history. At the same time, his own household mirrored the fissures that rent the nation: the great emancipator was married to the daughter of a slave owner from Kentucky, Mary Todd Lincoln was an aristocratic southerner who met Lincoln when he was still a backwoods politician lacking in experience and sophistication. Although she remained fiercely loyal to her husband and the Union cause, two of her brothers fought for the South. Their marriage was marriage was long and turbulent, and knew many trials, including the loss of two children. This mini-series weaves together the lives of the two Lincolns drawing us into their long-vanished world.

The Time of the Lincolns: a companion website to the documentary film.